Why permit your summer to be wrecked by flawed hearing? Chances are it’s much worse if you’re not aware of it. The prolonged decrease of your hearing that comes with aging and certain ear diseases can mean that you won’t always recognize that there are things which you can’t hear anymore. You may also hold back on engaging in summer events you love just because you can’t hear as well. You will still be able to get out and have a blast if you look for a few solutions to your hearing loss obstacles.
Summer Barbecues
Barbecuing in the summer may get difficult if you have hearing loss. One of the most challenging things is background noise. There are a lot of conversations happening all around you. Kids might be playing in the yard or yelling in the pool. There is the sound of the food cooking on the grill and, of course, the wondrous sounds of nature.
All that noise interferes with any residual hearing you have left. Background noises will overwhelm someone who has hearing decline.
Here are some ideas to help you compensate:
Look for a relaxing spot to sit to eliminate some of that overwhelming background noise. Turning away from the sun will allow you to see people when they are talking and read their lips to figure out words you miss.
- Turn off any background music or turn it down, at least. If it’s your barbecue, you can just choose not to have any music. If you are visiting somebody else’s cookout, describe the issue to the host.
- Walk away from time to time. Working to hear takes a lot of energy. Step indoors and away from people for a short time each hour and sit someplace quiet to recharge.
- Let people know when you can’t hear. Don’t attempt to fake it because that can frustrate others. If you can’t hear what someone said, let them know. Cupping your ear and other visual clues can indicate that you can’t hear to others. They will quickly step closer or speak up to help out.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. Accept that you can’t take part in every discussion. Set realistic limits for yourself and try to engage in small groups instead.
Go Outdoors
If you just stay inside you don’t recognize what you’re missing. Don’t be scared to walk outside the house and concentrate on the sounds of nature. You won’t hear everything, but with a little focus, you may be surprised by the things you can hear.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Birds singing
- Insects buzzing
- Crickets in the evening
- Blowing leaves
- The rain falling
- Kids running around and playing
- Dogs barking
- Waves splashing
If you just attempt to hear one thing at a time, you can manage your expectations every time you go outside, head to the beach or walk in the park.
Enjoy Day Trips or Even a Much Needed Vacation
That’s truly what summertime is all about, isn’t it? Figure out what kind of vacation you would enjoy and if there are constraints that come with your hearing loss. Sailing or fishing would be perfect but a theme park might be a bit too much stimulation. Spend the day at a nature preserve or perhaps go to the zoo. Take a walk on the boardwalk near the beach or go to a museum.
Don’t let your hearing loss rob you of your opportunity to travel this summer. If you are flying, inform the airline that you have hearing loss when you book your ticket. Inform the hotel or resort, as well, so they can offer you a room that has accommodations for the hearing impaired like smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs with closed captioning.
Work on Yourself
Look for ways to better yourself this summer like going to an exercise class or learning to paint. If you would like to find a place up front, be sure to get there early. Take a friend or two with you and let them fill you in on what you are missing during the session.
This Summer You Should Take Safety Measures
There are a number of summertime activities which require you to take safeguards to protect yourself, your ears, and any costly hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- Playing it safe when at the pool or beach. Don’t let your hearing aids get wet and put in earplugs while swimming.
- If you decide to take a walk in the evening to enjoy the night air, take someone with you. There are potential risks such as a vehicle driving toward you or somebody lurking near you which you might not hear.
- If you are going to fireworks or maybe a live performance, wear ear protection.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
Most of these summertime challenges become less substantial when you do three simple things.
- Get your ears checked by a hearing care specialist. It is possible your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing examination, so you know if you do have hearing loss.
- Wear high-quality hearing aids. They can get rid of background noises so you hear what’s important.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t let the loss of hearing rob you of that.
